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Low 'N' Long: 1997 Chevy S10

A Measurement of Time and Outcome

By John Mata Jr., Photography by Phil Fowler

Mini Truckin', July 01, 2012

Just over 12 years ago, Cliff Somers purchased this longbed S-10. He had just graduated high school and had traveled alone to a handful of truck shows and was shocked at the crazy stuff he saw being done to Dimes just like his all over the country.

Throughout the years, Cliff has experimented with different styles, or "personalities" as he refers to them—some ideas worked out for a while, and others were scrapped quickly. "I started with hydraulics and wire wheels in the beginning," says Cliff. "Then, I decided to cut the top off in a friend's driveway, which was not necessarily the smartest decision at the time considering it still wasn't paid for."

After reexamining some nagging doubts and completing some major frame and body modifications, Cliff left well enough alone and gave the truck a rest. "The truck ended up sitting for five years, mostly untouched, while I started my family and got myself established. Seeing the truck torn down in so many pieces was the worst part. I wondered if I would ever be able to put it back together again." But the day finally came when Cliff's truck took first priority. "In April 2011, I found myself with the time, motivation, and funds to see my project through. My friends and I worked nonstop for five months to debut the truck at Carlisle All Truck Nationals. I drove the truck for the first time in over five years, about an eight-hour ride, before making the trip to meet my deadline."

"Seeing my ideas become a reality and finally completing my truck is almost unreal. I have traveled the road to redemption. It was no secret that there were some people who believed that my truck was too crazy, and that I wanted too much. More than a few times over the years, I even questioned some of my own choices too, but in the end I did it. Never start what you can't finish."

It was no secret that there were some people who believed that my truck was too crazy.

Special Thanks From Owner
"Thanks to L.B. Brittingham for taking on his first minitruck project when all of his hot rod friends thought he was crazy, Wild Bill for the sheetmetal interior, and Phil Fowler for making it all look good on paper. I would also like to thank Eric Bozman for jumping into the scene with me, John Hopkins for being there from the start of this project and for never believing that it was too crazy to finish, and Jeff Wootten for all of his teaching and help with the suspension. Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife, Lori, for supporting me every step of the way, and my daughters, Paris and London, for telling everyone that their daddy has the best minitruck ever."

See all 10 Photos

By John Mata Jr.

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